Travan’s eyes are dark. “That’s not Christian anymore, kid.”
“His wolf won’t hurt us either,” I insist, my mind straying to the strange dream I had.
His wolf referred to me as his mate. And if that dream were somehow real…
Ashton’s jaw is clenched so tightly that a dozen muscles thrum simultaneously.
After a moment, he grits out, “She’s right. This is the best course of action. And I know these woods like the back of my hand.”
“But—” Kyle begins, but Hale cuts him off.
“They’re right. It’s the best course of action. Christian is more likely to come out of hiding if it’s just the two of them. If he sees anyone else, especially someone he doesn’t know well, he could perceive them as a threat and attack.”
I can tell my birth fathers are not happy with this arrangement, though they don’t protest.
After the other two teams are assigned—Hale, Gerry, and Jake, predictably, on one, and my birth fathers on the other—we separate.
“Be safe, pretty lady.” Emery spins me towards him and, after ensuring no one is paying attention, kisses me chastely on the lips.
It’s sweet and innocent and soft—but still enough to cause the butterflies in my lower belly to riot.
“You too.”
He steps back, and his twin immediately takes his place. Today, they’re dressed eerily similar in jeans and loose sweatshirts. The only noticeable difference is the pair of glasses on Ethan’s face.
“Let us know right away if you’re in trouble.” Ethan tenderly, almost reverently, cups my cheek. “Or if you just want us to beat the shit out of Ashton.”
I chuckle, and somewhere in front of me, Ashton lets out a scoff of disgust.
Good.
Ethan’s kiss is just as soft as Emery’s, full of suppressed emotion. When he pulls away, his eyes glimmer.
Then he’s gone, and Reid’s there.
Reid’s kiss is quick, hard, but no less passionate. When he pulls away, my head is reeling, unnamed emotions barraging me from every direction.
“Stay safe.” It’s a demand. His low, growly voice causes heat to flood my veins.
“Yes, sir,” I whisper.
His eyes light up with something akin to intrigue before he backs away.
I notice, somewhat belatedly, that Hale and Gerry have already left. Travan has gone too, which is suspicious since he’s supposed to be in a group with Kyle and Silas.
The two men stand slightly apart from the group, doing their absolute damndest not to look in my direction.
Feeling incredibly awkward and unsure, I move towards them.
“Um…hey.”
Wow. Real articulate, Izzy.
Silas turns towards me, clears his throat, and then focuses elsewhere. “Just wanted to check in. Make sure you’re okay.”
“I’ll be better once I find Christian,” I tell them sincerely.
Kyle nods. “We’ll find him, Izzy. I promise.” He then moves towards me, almost as if he intends to give me a hug, before stepping away with an elongated sigh. “Just be safe. Please.”
